For most people, the idea of heading off to a stunning, sunkissed locations such as Phuket means having a couple of weeks relaxing in the sunshine next to the pool.

But for others, a trip to Phuket at the end of the year will mean taking part in one of the most intense athletic events created for amateurs.

During December, people staying at hotels in Phuket could find that many of their fellow guests are taking bottles of water on half marathons rather than sipping cocktails by the pool as they prepare for the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship.

The Phuket event takes place on 2nd December 2012 and is the last event in the series.

Taking place at the Laguna Resort in Cherngtalay, the event is a spectacular chance to see people from around the world compete in some of the most gruelling athletics challenges.

For those who do not know what an Ironman entails, it will see competitors start off with a 1.9 km swim, followed by a 90 km bike ride and finishing off with a 21.1 km run. As a marathon is 42.1 km it gives some idea of just how hard these athletes have trained in order to compete.

People staying at the Millennium Resort Patong can head down to the course to cheer on the athletes as they complete each step of the challenge.